Sarita Nayak, a renowned academician and researcher who specialises in education, is the Principal for Suddhananda College of Management and Computer Science. She is a PhD holder who has been teaching since the last 17 years. Dr. Nayak also has degrees from the Regional College of Management and the Sudan School of Management and Computer Science. 

Suddhananda College of Management and Computer Science

Being a principal of Suddhananda College of Management and Computer Science, what are your roles and responsibilities? 

Even though I am the principal, I am a faculty member first. Therefore, the quality of teaching is always a top priority for me. I have a tonne of work to do as a principal. But, I continue to try to enrol in one or two classes each day because that is my first duty as a faculty member, to always keep learning and increasing my knowledge. The second is that I regularly engage with my students because I want to learn about both their thoughts and worries. Being able to listen to them allows me to formulate better policies to help them.

How do you tend to establish healthy relationships with the students and fellow students? 

As a principal, I build trusting relationships with students and coworkers by being approachable, paying attention to their worries, encouraging open communication, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive school climate. I have always believed in healthy relationships because they are fundamentally different from education. In addition to being their teacher, I am also their closest friend. I talk to them about every aspect of their lives, whether it be personal or professional, every day. 

What are the best practical offers by the department for the student which help them to gain the necessary skills? 

As a principal, I would say that the department's best offers to students would be internships, industry partnerships, workshops, skill-development courses, and chances for hands-on learning related to their area of study. We also provide them with regular seminars to help them develop the skills they need. We have a club that hosts events as well where we do everything from playing games to conducting business games, and occasionally we invite researchers from various organisations and departments to participate in our activities.

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How do you help your students cope with the competition being so high in the outside world?

We have many students coming from very poor backgrounds. We constantly provide them with training and discuss everything with them so that it can be done in accordance with their needs. Additionally, we also have SC and ST students and we provide them with training in accordance with their position or value. All students, regardless of background receive intensive placements and soft skills training. Their technical knowledge and their soft skills prepare them for competition.

What are the challenges you faced or are facing to uplift the quality of education of your department?

As the college's principal, I must overcome a number of obstacles to improve the calibre of instruction in my division. These difficulties include finding and keeping highly qualified faculty, ensuring alignment with market demands and new technologies, fostering a culture of research and innovation, managing financial restrictions, adjusting to changing accreditation standards, encouraging student engagement and holistic development, and improving industry-academia partnerships. Keeping up with changes in educational pedagogy and technology, attending to the needs of a diverse student body, and offering career counselling and placement assistance are all essential for improving the quality of education at the college. 

When you came to the college, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve this?

My perception is very distinct, I want to excel academically. I desire a good academic order. In order to uphold the Suddhananda School of Management and Computer Science to the greatest standards. My goal as a principal was to develop a diverse, cutting-edge learning environment that fosters students' overall development. I'm doing this by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, fostering collaborative partnerships, emphasising student-centred approaches, and offering lots of opportunities for both academic and personal growth. 

What are the interventions and approaches you bring in apart from the curriculum to train or teach the students?

In addition to the curriculum, I use a variety of interventions and strategies to enhance student learning. These consist of invited talks from professionals in the field, workshops on soft skills and career readiness, mentoring programmes that pair students with working adults, and community involvement programmes that encourage social responsibility. To develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, I also support interdisciplinary research opportunities and projects. I also place a strong emphasis on utilising technology in the classroom, incorporating online tools, virtual labs, and interactive platforms to boost student engagement and support self-paced learning.

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What valuable advice would you like to give the students for them to have a prosperous career?

I counsel students to embrace lifelong learning if they want to have a successful career. Stay curious, keep improving your skills, and be flexible to changes in the industry. Build a strong professional network and look out for mentors. Take calculated risks, maintain your composure in the face of difficulties, and keep working towards your objectives. Cultivate effective verbal and written communication abilities and prioritise your health. Maintain a healthy work-life balance, and pursue your passions in addition to your professional development.